Changes in utility billing

The Town of Oak Island’s 2018-2019 budget reflects some changes within your utility rates and billing. The Sewer District Fee (SDF) will be included on all tax bills with no credit for the improved parcels.

Budgets are established and approved by Council. In June, new rates, fees, and taxes are put in place for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, and all money collected during that time is for that fiscal year. The SDF and Town property taxes will be billed by the end of September and are due by January 5 (unless that day falls on a weekend and then they are due the following Monday).

This year’s SDF is $601.78 – you can pay it all at once or you can make payments toward the fee prior to the due date, but you will need to clearly identify this on your payment. Payments not specifically identified as for the SDF will be credited toward your water and sewer monthly bill, not the SDF. As a reminder, your taxes and SDF are due by January 7th, 2019.

For improved parcels, the new water and sewer rates reflect the removal of the SDF from your monthly bill since ALL parcels are now being charged the SDF on the tax bill. This amount, plus a slight reduction in your usage rates, will reflect a savings.

For the unimproved lots, the $601.78 SDF also reflects a reduction in the amount of $202.78. You will continue to pay your SDF as listed on your tax bill.

The SDF has always been used for debt within the system, and will continue to pay for the debt within the system. The balance of your water and sewer rates will continue to pay for the operational and maintenance items within the system.

The new water and sewer rates are shown on back, along with a few examples.

Council and Staff continue to review all fees within the Town during the annual budget process. We strive to provide a cost-efficient service as possible, while also repaying the debt owed for the system.